BY DRAXON MALOYA
As they prepare for a series of strength testing matches against fellow journalists in Zambia or Tanzania later this year, Nyika Media Club Social Football team registered a scintillating, 5-star performance, providing a resounding 9-2 baptism of fire to Mzuzu ESCOM Social football team.
Playing at MASM, formerly ADMARC Regional Ground on a cloudy Saturday morning the two teams had a long-standing grudge, though the journalists have twice come out on top in the previous encounters.
The scribes came out on the pitch with anger and fire in their eyes, determined to inflict a humiliating defeat on Mzuzu ESCOM whom they (media practitioners) accused of switching off power in most northern parts of the country, Sundays when it is needed most.
From the first whistle, the scribes dominated the game, passing the ball with precision and skill. The opposition was left scrambling to keep up with their pace and intensity but the power linesmen were the first to register a goal, barely after 6 minutes of play when they capitalised on a defensive miscalculation in the middle of the park.
Journalists quickly rectified their problems, goals started pouring in, players could hardly contain their excitement, led by Club president, Feston Malekezo their passes were crisp, shots were powerful, and their teamwork was impeccable to the mesmerise of Mzuzu ESCOM players who could do nothing but watch as their opponents ran circles around them.
Leading 3-1 at halftime, the journalists made a few changes in their line-up, resting Malekezo, Draxon Maloya and goalkeeper, Kelvin Tembo who had a grand game, paving way for some fresh legs.
The halftime talk provided wonders, leading to the journalists raising the temple of the game, running riot on their opponents, ruthlessly beating them while ranting on the Mzuzu ESCOM boys to stop tampering with the infamous Dwangwa-Nkhata-Bay, 132 kilovolt power line on Sundays.
By the time the final whistle blew, the score line read 9-2 in favour of Nyika Media Club, securing a resounding victory which has also sent a clear message to all other social football clubs in the northern region and beyond that, they are no longer to be underestimated.
Speaking during post match interviews, an ESCOM official only identified as Mr Blantyre was very depressed with the humiliating 9-2 result he described as ‘shocking’.
“Honestly, we did not expect to be humiliated in this way, our opponents looked good in every department, their skill, levels of fitness and coordination were just very good,” said Mr Blantyre.
Deputy coach for Nyika Media Club Social Football team, Hassan Phiri described the 5-star performance as dividend yields of the intensive training matches played over the Easter holiday.
“You may be aware that we had three training matches over the Easter in preparation for this game. Those who were nursing injuries have returned, we had a full squad this morning and let me thank all those who showed up for this match,” said Phiri.
Immediately, having walked off the pitch, heads held high and smiles on their faces, the journalists proceeded and crowned their well-deserved victory with a group luncheon and an extravaganza, guzzling assorted cold drinks at Woodlands Entertainment joint in New Katoto Township.
